Allowing kids the opportunity to create and manage their own newsletters can yield some fun results. Bypass the need for tedious layout work with these fun templates designed specifically for kids.
Using the Printable Newsletter Templates
Browse the following kids' newsletter templates by clicking on the images. When you find the design most suitable for your needs, download the template to fully access the editable version. Note that while you can edit text before downloading, you will not be able to add images until the template is downloaded to your computer.
Reuse for Consistency
Upon saving the template, you now can access and revise it for each subsequent issue. Your young journalists should decide if they want to consistently use the same template or if they prefer to change the look of the newsletter with each new issue.
Using It in the Classroom
Newsletters are a great way to get information out to your parents and kids can have a lot of fun creating them. Not only can you use the content for Language Arts and Writing lessons, but you can allow kids to use technology to take images. They also learn about layout design.
Weekly/Monthly School or Classroom Newsletter
This type of newsletter can let parents know the different events that have happened at the school or classroom along with upcoming events. These can work to update parents on academic achievements like reaching AR goals and acquisition of math facts. You might also highlight star students and staff. And the fact that kids get to create them makes this a perfect learning opportunity since kids not only learn to cooperate but spell check, create articles, etc. For a school newsletter, you can let a different classroom create it each time.
Special Events Newsletter
Newsletters are so versatile that you can use them for holidays or special school events like plays. In this way, students can become journalists by coming up with questions and interviewing students. These types of newsletters let them explore their creative side as well. You might even make this into an assignment where students create their own newsletter on an original topic.
Tips for a Great Newsletter
Some adult guidance can go a long way in helping kids pull together an impressive newsletter. Help the kids brainstorm about what topics they want to cover and what the focus of the newsletter will be. Some idea examples include:
- A family newsletter, keeping distant relatives in the loop
- A neighborhood newsletter, reporting on what's new in the neighborhood
- A school newsletter focused either on the entire school or on one specific club, class, or activity
- An advocacy newsletter to get the word out about a cause or charity
Encourage kids to narrow their focus and have clear expectations about deadlines and editorial power. Though it's important to guide kids along in the newsletter process, it's also important to allow the kids some autonomy and allow them to feel as though the newsletter is truly theirs.
A Lesson in Freedom of Speech
Kids will quickly learn how impactful their words can be when written and distributed in a newsletter. It's an excellent method for teaching kids about the power of the press and the responsibility of those who report it.
